Monday, September 16, 2013

She is a self-taught painter and is now a top seller on the urban art scene, continually gaining attention from the art world. With a unique commentary on pop culture and a keen eye for beauty, her raw, trademark style is already unmistakable.

Her work is quirky, sometimes sensual, off the cuff, playfully cutting edge, and flirtatiously 'dark'.

It's not unusual to see an image of a sweet little girl partnered with a fierce non-child friendly animal ...like an oversized "Mr. Rat". There's certainly a shock value to most of Lora's work. And, sure, maybe it's not for everyone. I get it. Not all of my playground mom friends will drool over Lora Zombie.

But, clearly, there is a market for such raw and provocative artwork. Lora's facebook page has over 62,000 likes. Her instagram has over 12,000 followers. The girl's got talent.

And when Eyes on Walls contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in featuring Lora on Vivid Hue Home, I jumped at the opportunity. I'd spotted her work a few years ago at a store in Little Five Points, Atlanta and loved it.

With Halloween just around the corner, this is the perfect opportunity to consider decorating with an elegantly eerie twist. I'd consider adding a piece to an art gallery wall permanently. (And boy do I have an offer for you...wait til the end).

Lora's got fabulous rainbow colored hair...I knew there was a reason I liked the chic...she's a girl that embraces color!

And, below are some of Lora's 8x8 notebook sketches that were recently released as a special edition on Eyes on Walls, available for purchase here.

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Now here's the best part of all. Exclusive to Vivid Hue Home readers only, Eyes on Walls has offered a special free shipping code. We know that shipping artwork can cost a ton of money and now it will be taken care of. Enter this code in the check out!

SPECIAL OFFER:Use the code FLYLIKEABIRD on artwork purchase on Eyes on Walls for free shipping. This will save you a lot on shipping your art! Exclusive to Vivid Hue Home readers.

What do YOU think of Lora's work? Too over the top? Right up your alley? Do you have a favorite? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Thank you to all who participated in the fabulous Lamps.com giveaway. I'm thrilled to announce that the winner is Erica from Pink and Green Mom. Erica, please email me your mailing info and lamp selection so Lamps.com can get your selection out to you!

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Today, I went to the ultimate tag sale. This is the fanciest tag sale I've ever been to.
Krystian Von Speidel and Nathan Frank live in the exclusive West End of Hartford, Connecticut. It's lined with tree covered streets and acres of mansions. Known as "Governor's Row" because it's where the Governor's mansion is located. Each estate is more eye dropping than the next. So yes, the idea of attending a "tag sale" among this "riff Raf", well...I somehow found it within myself to show up.

Greenhill Estate, Home of Krystian Von Speidel and Nathan Frank

I tweeted @kvonspeidel to let him know I was around the corner and upon my arrival he greeted me, "Vivid Hue! Would you like a glass of wine?" How's THAT for a top notch host? As I walked up the gravel pathway, two finely dressed gentlemen were leaving in Italian custom tailored suits, one was navy with a fabulous pink pastel tie. I'm telling ya'll. This was a dapper tag sale.

This Palm Beach Peacock Chair greeted me. I wanted desperately to take it home with me...but my house is starting to burst at the seams. I didn't know where I'd put it. So I had to admire it from afar. What a beauty.

Krystian gave me a tour of Greenhill. This is what he calls his estate. Uh...hello, Veranda, Vogue, House Beautiful, where are you? This place is magazine worthy! Yes, my boy Krystian is in the industry but this space is ready to be photographed! CT Home and Garden, New England Home, At Home, et, al. Seriously, it's no wonder why there were so many drool-worthy items outside for sale...the inside of the house is filled with gems!

I bought this fabulous bamboo magazine holder for my sun room. And the below mid-century magazine holder caught my eye. It was sitting on a fabulous table that had potential. A bit of paint and refurbishment and this could be a stunner!

And the bamboo easel...MINE! I spotted one in Kennebunkport and desperately wanted it, but they wanted too much money for it. When I saw it today, I knew it was meant to be.

These little Dalmatians would have made great little character accessories on bookshelf or nightstand.

And here are the boys...(Krystian isn't pictured) but Nathan is on the far right. These boys were having a blast, bargaining like crazy, making a celebration out of the day and having a good ole fashioned time. What a way to throw a tag sale!

Tag Sale Hosts

And I've saved the best for last...I drooled when I saw this Bamboo Bar Cart! Perfection!

And then, I spotted this SOLD sign "Sold, Governor Malloy." Yes. Our Connecticut Governor. And when I told Krystian that I was dying for that cart, he offered it right up to me. (Apparently, Mr. Malloy was willing to part with it if a desperate patron came along...and well, that would be me). But, really, I decided to be a great Connecticut citizen and let the good ole Governor have it. I'm looking for a bar cart that's a bit more formal for my dining room.

And wouldn't these bar accessories be great too!??

Lastly, even though everyone in the Connecticut and New York surrounding area may already know Mr. Krystian Von Speidel, I wanted to show the rest of my readers how handsome he is.

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Via @KvonSpeidel

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I had a ball stopping in to this tag sale. This crew threw one heck of a party, er...I mean sale! They had the perfect items to draw the right crowd. The location was amazeballs. The day couldn't have been a more perfect fall day in Connecticut. I'm thrilled with my magazine rack and easel.

By the way, the Lamps.com giveaway is OVER and the winner will be announced on Monday! September 16th!

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

I used the same photo on the blog last year. For me, it has sort of become "the photo" that represents "that time." I had only been living in the city for four months. The first plane shook my apartment walls with a deep bellowing rumble. I muted the "Today" Show because I thought my upstairs neighbors were dragging furniture across the hardwood floors. Seconds later, I watched in amazement as the show was interrupted. I hurriedly shut the TV off--late for work--and eager to understand what was unfolding out on the streets a few blocks below.

The world was literally frozen outside. Cabs were stopped in the streets. People stood still on the pavement. Strangers huddled together by car radios trying to listen to the early reports and figure out what was going on.

The city shut down for days. I spent much time in Union Square where I snapped this photo.

I was so new to the city that I hadn't yet met the great friends I would later meet...therefore, much of this time I spent alone. But strangely, I didn't feel alone at all. The city and the people of the city bonded like nothing I've ever seen.

Movie theaters opened their doors for free and offered unlimited shows and free popcorn. Groups of people walked down the street singing 'Amazing Grace.' Strangers everywhere offered smiles of hope.

From that time forward, I have felt an intense loyalty and bond to the city, my friends and the people of New York City. May we remember the thousands of lives lost (not only in NYC that day) and thank those that continue to fight for our country so that we can enjoy our freedom.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Today I'm thrilled to offer a lucky Vivid Hue Home reader a chance to win a fabulous lamp from Lamps.com!

Lamps.com is a Philadelphia-based company that carries some of the most popular lighting brands worldwide while also providing unique and smaller boutique brands. They've been in business for over one hundred years. When they contacted me to see if I'd be interested in collaborating with them for a giveaway, I jumped at the opportunity... Here are the deets!

3. FOLLOW Lamps.com on Pinterest4. FOLLOW Vivid Hue Home on Google Connect(on left nav of blog)5. BONUS ENTRY: Tweet, Instagram, Pin, Blog or Share about this giveaway with your own readers in any way (and let me know in the comments below) and you'll get an extra entry!

You MUST leave a comment on this post for each way you entered. If you already follow Vivid Hue Home or Lamps.com by that method, then leave a comment stating so.

PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL IN THE COMMENT if your email is not attached to your profile so that you can be selected if you win.

This giveaway is only available to U.S. residents only (sorry to all of my International readers)! Giveaway will end on September 12, 2013 at midnight EST. Winner will be selected by random.org.
Winner will be able to select any lamp from Lamps.com up to $125. Lamps.com will ship product directly to winner.